What is MPG?

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How is EPA Fuel Efficiency Determined?

Trying to find out how EPA fuel efficiency is determined?

While the speed, power, and luxury of any car are very important in the buying process, the vehicle’s gas mileage is key for its lifetime. While the miles per gallon are provided by the EPA, there are several parts to determine the official gas mileage and they vary. Leading off with the car’s weight and the capability of the motor. Just because the car is heavy, the tech of the engine could still lower the amount of gas being used. Fuel economy ratings are usually higher for small cars, trucks, and SUVs because of their total weight and aerodynamic appearance. These small vehicles don’t need as much fuel to keep them on the road. Another consideration is the maintenance of the vehicle, doing stuff like making sure the tires have the correct pressure. All in all, gas mileage is critical for any vehicle and it takes many of the parts working together to create an efficient car.

What is Gas Efficiency?

Miles per gallon is the best way to determine the distance a car can travel on a full tank of fuel. ​The size of the vehicle, drivetrain (2WD or ALL4 all-wheel drive), and engine technology all play an enormous role in calculating the MPGs of the vehicle. The stats favor small cars with hybrid capabilities and a low overall weight that just barely tips the scales. While the MPG can decrease over time, frequent drives and maintenance are the best ways to keep your MPGs high.

Gas Economy in City vs Highway

When looking at MPGs, there are two different results that wrap up the gas mileage, the miles per gallon in the city and highway. Rear world conditions are much different compared to the environment in testing facilities and the numbers reflect that. Calculating the two separate MPG ratings shows how driving habits can affect a vehicle’s miles per gallon. How you drive will affect your fuel economy, ​so measuring the two different ratings gives a true expectation for your vehicle’s gas mileage. When you consider all the starting and stopping of city driving contrasted with the constant movement of driving on the highway, it’s clear that highway driving should get better gas mileage.

Fuel Mileage & Drive Modes

Nowadays many cars have cylinder deactivation and selectable drive modes to save fuel when desired. A performance mode will offer a performance-based drive while “Eco” mode prioritizes gas mileage. Between cylinder deactivation and driving modes, new cars are more fuel-efficient than ever before.